Novel non-tracking solar collector with metal-to-water contact

By using the well-known advantages of the parabolic trough, we propose a fixed(non-tracking) configuration of solar light collector units which is designed to operate efficiently throughout the day, i.e. for varying incident angles of direct sunlight and in conditions of diffuse solar irradiation. We present a design appropriate to a flat-plate absorber which has vertical orientation with respect to the axis of the trough cross-section. An acceptance angle of 130° is achieved using a flat absorber plate. The power output over the day can be smoothed by the simple expedient of arranging three troughs tilted at different angles. Also, the use of a metal-to-water contact makes this non-tracking solar collector suitable for achieving high temperatures and high efficiencies. The efficiency is improved by 10% compared to a dry contact. Test results of the efficiency of the proposed system are presented also.